The Heartbreak Kid (1972)
Nominated for 2 Academy Awards:
Best Supporting Actor: Eddie Albert
Best Supporting Actress: Jeannie Berlin
The original The Heartbreak Kid was hard to find for
a while, about a decade ago. I always wanted to see it, I guess, knowing it
might be funny, but also, for some reason, saving it for later. And now it felt
like the right time. It was slightly underrated back then, and it still feels
like that today (the imdb rating of only 6.9 is a bit rough). It’s not the
funniest comedy, but I guess it doesn’t try to be. It’s about a guy who falls
in love with a blonde beauty while on his honeymoon. This alone is a silly
concept, executed well up to a certain point.
Charles Grodin is good in a tricky lead role, but he is not
the reason to see the film. There are two great performances that stand out: Jeannie
Berlin, playing the wife, is terribly sweet and creates an authentic character
that is never a caricature. She is so genuine and honest that I didn’t find her
so annoying, as much as I was rooting for her. Eddie Albert is fantastic as the
very determined father of the new love interest. Both actors got nominated and
very deservingly so, but it was a competitive year.
I would’ve loved the film much more with a riskier, more
creative 3rd act and a more meaningful ending. It’s still good
though.
I give it: 8/10
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